Liberty Park is an approximately 80-acre public park at 600 Harvey Milk Boulevard, Salt Lake City, Utah 84105, in the Liberty Park neighborhood southeast of downtown. Opened in 1882 on former farmland associated with Brigham Young, it combines mature shade trees, a duck pond, recreation facilities, Tracy Aviary, and the historic Chase Home. Travelers come for an easy outdoor break, family playtime, bird encounters, and a glimpse of the city’s nineteenth-century landscape.
What to Expect at Liberty Park
The park occupies the rectangle between 500 East and 700 East, from 900 South—also called Harvey Milk Boulevard—to 1300 South. Its roughly 1.5-mile perimeter route attracts walkers, runners, and cyclists, while interior paths connect lawns, picnic areas, playgrounds, tennis courts, and the pond. Broad lawns and mature deciduous trees give the grounds their spacious character. Spring brings fresh foliage, summer rewards early starts and shaded picnics, and autumn adds leaf color along the paths.
In the southwestern portion, Tracy Aviary, established in 1938 through banker Russell Lord’s bird collection, offers a separately ticketed wildlife experience. Owl Forest and the pelican pond are particular draws; allow additional time for keeper programming. The nearby Chase Home Museum of Utah Folk Arts occupies an adobe house built in the 1850s for Isaac Chase. Its domestic scale contrasts with the open grounds, and its exhibitions explore Utah’s living craft traditions. Museum access follows its own schedule.
- Perimeter circuit: A mostly level, paved route for a full-park walk or run.
- Liberty Lake: Pond-side paths, waterfowl watching, and open views across the water.
- Tracy Aviary: Bird habitats and conservation education within the park’s southwestern grounds.
- Chase Home: A surviving pioneer-era adobe residence housing Utah folk-art exhibitions.
- Family recreation: Playgrounds, picnic lawns, and tennis courts support a longer outdoor visit.
Liberty Park at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 600 Harvey Milk Blvd, Salt Lake City, UT 84105 |
| Neighborhood / Area | Liberty Park; southeast of downtown |
| Operating Hours | Monday–Sunday, 5 a.m.–10 p.m.; attractions keep separate hours |
| Admission / Price Range | Park admission free; $ overall, with separate paid aviary admission |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 1–2 hours; 3–4 hours with the aviary |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | UTA Route 9 on 900 South; internal parking areas and perimeter street parking |
| Official Website & Phone | Liberty Park official website; +1 801-972-7800 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Arrive early for comfortable summer walking temperatures and easier parking, especially on weekends and event days. No reservation is needed for an ordinary park visit; organized gatherings and reserved facilities follow city permit rules. UTA Route 9 runs along the northern boundary on 900 South; check departures through UTA. Drivers can use designated parking within the park or legal curbside spaces, observing posted restrictions. Start with the perimeter circuit, then turn inward toward the pond and historic house. Bring water and sun protection: shade is plentiful in places, but the entire route is not shaded.
Paved paths and generally gentle grades make the main routes practical for wheelchairs and strollers; lawns, roots, and uneven edges require more care. Benches provide rest stops, and public restrooms are available, although seasonal availability can vary. Keep dogs leashed and give waterfowl space rather than feeding them. Use daylight for your first visit, since lighting is not uniform throughout the grounds. From the northeastern corner, walk roughly 10–15 minutes to the shops and restaurants at 9th & 9th; Trolley Square, the historic trolley-barn shopping complex, is about 10–15 minutes north of the park’s northern edge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Liberty Park’s hours and the best time to visit?
The park opens daily from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. Morning is particularly useful in summer for cooler temperatures; the aviary and museum have separate opening schedules.
Is Liberty Park free, and do I need tickets?
Entry to the public park is free, with no general admission ticket required. Tracy Aviary charges separately; consult the city’s park page when planning attractions and reservable facilities.
How long should I spend at Liberty Park?
Allow one to two hours for a circuit, pond-side stops, and playground time. Set aside three to four hours if you also want a substantial aviary visit and a picnic.
Is Liberty Park accessible and suitable for children?
The mostly level paved routes suit many wheelchair users and families with strollers, while playgrounds and lawns provide room for children. Supervise youngsters beside the unfenced pond and at road crossings within and around the park.
Travelers exploring Salt Lake City often pair this stop with nearby highlights including Washington Square Park (1.9 km away) and Tracy Aviary at Liberty Park (0.2 km away).
